Redbird Gymnastics Adds Three Signees To 2022 Roster

NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State gymnastics head coach Bob Conkling announced the signing of three gymnasts to his program Thursday, with the additions of Berta Pujadas-Rusiñol (Barcelona, Spain), Nirel Bart-Williams (Murphy, Texas) and Joy Ziegenfelder (Gainesville, Florida) during the national signing period.

"The Redbird Gymnastics team is excited to welcome three NLI signees that will make an immediate impact next season," ISU head coach Bob Conkling stated. "These three talented gymnasts will help continue the success of the ISU Gymnastics program. With a wealth of strong skills and success at many competitions, we could not be more excited for our 2022 NLI signees to join us."

ABOUT THE SIGNEES:

Joy Ziegenfelder / Gainesville, Florida / Sun Country Gymnastics
"Joy is a consistent all-around competitor and should help us on all four events," Conkling said.  "She had a successful 2021 season placing third in the all-around, first on Vault and second on floor at the Florida Level 10 State meet.  At Regionals, she was fifth in the all-around, third on Beam and fourth on vault qualifying her for the Junior Olympic National Championships where she placed 15th in the all-around, 15th on beam and sixth on floor.

Nirel Bart-Williams / Murphy, Texas / World Olympic Gymnastics Academy (WOGA) 
"Nirel is a big skill gymnast that is a strong all-around competitor," Conkling said. "Nirel took third in the all-around, second on floor and vault and was third on beam at the 2021 Level 10 Texas State meet. At Regionals, Nirel was ninth in the all-around, and sixth on both vault and bars qualifying her for the Junior Olympic National Championships, where she was 21st on floor and 10th on bars."

Berta Pujadas-Rusiñol / Barcelona, Spain / Club Natació Granollers 
"Berta is going to help us on all four events, but especially on bars and beam where she has many skills to choose from for her routines," Conkling said. "Berta recently qualified for Spain's Senior National Team and was also on Spain's Junior National Team. Some of her accomplishments include qualifying for the Junior World Championships and the European Youth Olympic Festival. She placed 12th at the Flanders International Team Challenge and was second in the all-around and on vault at the Junior Spanish Nationals. She also was the junior National Balance Beam Champion two years in a row."

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